Hamilton leads F1 drivers on redemption chase in Las Vegas
Formula 1 rolls on to Las Vegas for the next stop on the calendar, fresh off a thrilling outing last time out in Sao Paulo that featured a driving masterclass, headlined by Max Verstappen’s pitlane to podium charge.
The stage appears finely poised for an electrifying outing under the lights. However, for a select few, it might not be quite as enjoyable. While several drivers enter the Las Vegas Grand Prix with little to prove to their respective teams, others will have the spotlight fixed on them across the race weekend in Nevada.
Since its return to the F1 calendar in 2023, the night race has proven to be a show-stopper of an event, and this year’s edition could well be another nail-biter, particularly considering that a few drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri, enter the race with plenty to prove.
Lewis Hamilton
It has been nothing short of a challenging chapter for the seven-time world champion at Scuderia Ferrari, and his recent run of results has done little to ease his woes. When it appeared Hamilton seemed to be matching his teammate Charles Leclerc, a string of unfortunate incidents has continually disrupted his momentum.
At the Dutch Grand Prix, the British driver looked set for a strong points finish, only for a crash, caused by contact with a slippery patch on the kerbs, to ruin his race.
A similar scenario played out in Mexico, where Hamilton delivered his best qualifying performance for Ferrari yet appeared on track for a podium. However, a 10-second penalty following an early incident involving Verstappen left him far from the front-runners.
Sao Paulo offered little relief either; the former Mercedes driver struggled to find the right setup throughout the weekend and saw his race compromised by floor damage from an early collision.
While Hamilton’s time at Ferrari has undoubtedly been turbulent, comments from the team’s chairman, John Elkann, have further fuelled speculation of tension within the team. Elkann stated that Ferrari’s drivers need to focus more on driving for the team, rather than themselves.
Hamilton subtly responded to those comments with a cheeky social media post, but the best way he can respond to his critics is on track. A strong showing in Vegas would send the right message.
Fittingly, Las Vegas is the last circuit where Hamilton stood on the podium, finishing second with Mercedes in 2024. A return to the rostrum would be the perfect way for the 40-year-old to quieten the noise currently surrounding him and his stint at Ferrari so far.
Oscar Piastri
“When it rains, it pours,” as the saying goes, but for Piastri, it’s beginning to feel like a full-blown storm. The Australian simply can’t seem to catch a break, particularly since his forgettable outing in Baku.
The 24-year-old has lost his championship lead to teammate Lando Norris and has failed to return to the podium since Monza.
It’s been talk after talk of a redemption arc and rediscovering his form since Singapore – something the McLaren driver has yet to manage. Last time out at the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, Piastri showed glimpses of the early-season form that had impressed so many, only for a crash to cut short his promising sprint.
His efforts during the Grand Prix were also hampered by a 10-second penalty handed down by the stewards for a collision they deemed his fault.
Following the conclusion of the Interlagos event, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated that the team would review the Australian’s race execution in comparison with Norris, who appears to be on a whole new level in recent races.
What’s worrying for Piastri is that the Las Vegas streets have not been a favourite hunting ground for either him or McLaren. His best result at the circuit remains the seventh place he achieved in 2024.
Yuki Tsunoda
The Red Bull Racing driver rounds off our list of those with points to prove in Las Vegas. The Japanese driver appears to have slipped back into his early-season form after showing flashes of improvement, particularly since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old appeared to have gradually found his rhythm, particularly with a double points finish during the COTA Sprint and Grand Prix. However, Tsunoda’s form has since declined, and he has failed to score points in the last two races.
The pressure on Tsunoda to perform also intensifies, especially as Red Bull’s decision on its remaining seat for the 2026 campaign is expected to be made over the final few races of the season. A good showing in Vegas could strengthen the Japanese driver’s chance of remaining within the Red Bull family for 2026.
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